Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 39,391?
A:
Positive:
1 x 3939111 x 3581
Negative:
-1 x -39391-11 x -3581
A:
Positive:
1 x 3939111 x 3581
Negative:
-1 x -39391-11 x -3581
Unfortunately, there's not simple formula to identifying all of the factors of a number and it can be a tedious process when trying to identify the divisors of larger numbers. To find the factor combinations of the number 39,391, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.
We start by creating a table and writing 1 on the left side and then the number we're trying to find the factors for on the right side in a table. Then, below that, write the numbers as a negative as well.
1 | 39,391 | |
-1 | -39,391 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 39,391.
Example:
1 x 39,391 = 39,391
and
-1 x -39,391 = 39,391
Notice both answers equal 39,391
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 39,391 and divide it by 2:
39,391 ÷ 2 = 19,695.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 19,695.5 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
1 | 39,391 | |
-1 | -39,391 |
Now, we try dividing 39,391 by 3:
39,391 ÷ 3 = 13,130.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 13,130.3333 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
1 | 39,391 | |
-1 | -39,391 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
39,391 ÷ 4 = 9,847.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 9,847.75 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
1 | 39,391 | |
-1 | 39,391 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 11 | 3,581 | 39,391 |
-1 | -11 | -3,581 | -39,391 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator